Schedules of Fees for Inpatient Hospital Diagnostic Related Group (DRG) and Inpatient Hospital Trauma Services

The Schedules of Fees for Inpatient Hospital Diagnostic Related Group (DRG) and Inpatient Hospital Trauma Services may be downloaded from the Fee Schedules section of the our website (https://www.wcc.ne.gov/service-providers/medical-providers/fee-schedules). Both schedules are effective January 1, 2021. 
Please note that these schedules will be updated with medicare factor information for a new hospital, Grand Island Regional Medical Center, when that information becomes available.

ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER: Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court Trials and Evidentiary Hearings

Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court trials and evidentiary hearings will continue to be conducted in accordance with our November 10, 2020 administrative order until otherwise ordered.

Select this link to view our November 10, 2020 administrative order.

Schedule of Fees for Medical Services

The Schedule of Fees for Medical Services may be downloaded from the Fee Schedules section of our website (https://www.wcc.ne.gov/service-providers/medical-providers/fee-schedules). The Schedules of Fees for Inpatient Hospital Diagnostic Related Group (DRG) and Inpatient Hospital Trauma Services will be posted within the next week. All three fee schedules are effective January 1, 2021.

NEWS RELEASE: Change in mileage reimbursement rate

Effective January 1, 2021, the mileage rate will become 56.0 cents per mile for travel to seek medical treatment or while participating in an approved vocational rehabilitation plan. This conforms to the reimbursement rate paid to State of Nebraska employees. See related news release (https://www.wcc.ne.gov/service-providers/attorneys/benefit-rates/mileage-rate-news-release). 

Historic mileage reimbursement rate information is available in the Tables of Maximum / Minimum Compensation Benefits, Burial Benefits, and Mileage Reimbursement Rates on the Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court’s “Benefits” web page (https://www.wcc.ne.gov/service-providers/attorneys/benefit-rates).

Rule amendments adopted at December 17, 2020 public meeting

Amendments to Rules 2, 3, 11, 26, 37, 42, 43, 47, and Addendum 2 were adopted at a public meeting on December 17, 2020. Non-adjudicatory Rules 26, 37, 42, 43, 47, and Addendum 2 became effective December 17, 2020. Adopted amendments to adjudicatory Rules 2, 3, 11 will become effective only upon review and approval by the Nebraska Supreme Court. (https://www.wcc.ne.gov/home/public-hearings-and-public-meetings)

Annual Report, Fiscal Year 2020

Our 78th Annual Report features activities of the Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court in Fiscal Year 2020 (https://www.wcc.ne.gov/resources/court-forms-and-publications/annual-reports).

NEWS RELEASE: Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Maximum Weekly Income Benefit To Increase

Effective January 1, 2021, the maximum weekly income benefit under the Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Act will increase to $914.00. This amount applies to work-related injuries and illnesses occurring on or after January 1, 2021 (https://www.wcc.ne.gov/service-providers/attorneys/benefit-rates/benefits-news-release).

Temporary Email Address for Litigants to Provide Notification of COVID-19 Status

The email address (trials@wcc.ne.gov) provides a simple means for parties to comply with the requirements of our November 10, 2020 Administrative Order regarding in-person trials and hearings conducted during the remainder of calendar year 2020. Use of this temporary email address should be limited to that purpose and is intended only for notifications made outside normal business hours. During business hours, the judge’s assistant should be contacted.

Select this link to read the news release.

Public Hearing and Public Meeting: December 17, 2020

 The Notice, Agenda, and Proposed Amended Rules for a December 17, 2020 public hearing and public meeting are available for viewing or downloading (https://www.wcc.ne.gov/home/public-hearings-and-public-meetings).

ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER: Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court Trials and Evidentiary Hearings

Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court trials and evidentiary hearings will be conducted in accordance with our November 10, 2020 administrative order.

Nebraska Supreme Court issues new administrative order regarding the novel coronavirus and COVID-19 disease.

The Nebraska Supreme Court issued a new administrative order on November 6, 2020 regarding the novel coronavirus and COVID-19 disease. Select this link to read the order.

Career Opportunity: Staff and Electronic Records Assistant [Update: Position Closed]

 This position has been reopened.

Decision Summaries, FY 2020

Summaries of Nebraska Supreme Court and Court of Appeals Decisions on Workers’ Compensation Cases for Fiscal Year 2020 are available for viewing / downloading on our website (https://www.wcc.ne.gov/service-providers/attorneys/appellate-court-decisions).

Career Opportunity: Staff and Electronic Records Assistant [Update: Position Closed]

 The closing date for this position is October 16, 2020.

REMINDER: New Office Hours for the Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court Beginning October 1, 2020

REMINDER: Effective October 1, 2020, the Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court will change its hours of operation. The new office hours, applicable for all of the court’s facilities in Lincoln and Omaha, begin at 8:00 a.m. and end at 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. 

• Select this link to read the news release.
  
• Select this link to view the court's office hours and contact information.

New Office Hours for the Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court Beginning October 1, 2020

Effective October 1, 2020, the Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court will change its hours of operation. The new office hours, applicable for all of the court’s facilities in Lincoln and Omaha, begin at 8:00 a.m. and end at 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. 

• Select this link to read the news release. 
  
• Select this link to view the court's office hours and contact information.

DRG Reporting Web Application Now Available

The Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court has activated its web-based data entry application for Diagnostic Related Group (DRG) reports. Hospitals and payors may report for themselves, or they may allow a third party to report for them. (https://www.wcc.ne.gov/service-providers/medical-providers/drg-reporting)

2018 Bureau of Labor Statistics Reports for Nebraska

The 2018 Nebraska Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses and Nebraska Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries are now available (https://www.wcc.ne.gov/resources/court-forms-and-publications/bureau-of-labor-statistics-reports).

Request for Proposal (WCC0007): Notification of Intent to Award

The Notification of Intent to Award regarding Request for Proposal WCC0007 is now available (https://www.wcc.ne.gov/home/contracting-opportunities/rfp-notification-of-intent-to-award).

Statistical Report, 2015 through 2019

This statistical report summarizes information reported to the Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court by employers and insurers for work-related injuries and illnesses that occurred during calendar years 2015 through 2019, regardless of the year in which the reports were filed. Data for previously reported calendar years is divided into subcolumns that illustrate how data changes over time as a result of late reporting and corrections. (https://www.wcc.ne.gov/resources/court-forms-and-publications/statistical-reports)

Nebraska Supreme Court issues new administrative order regarding novel coronavirus and COVID-19 disease

The Nebraska Supreme Court issued a new administrative order on June 30, 2020 regarding the novel coronavirus and COVID-19 disease. Select this link to read the order.

ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER: Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court Trials and Evidentiary Hearings

Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court trials and evidentiary hearings will continue to be conducted in accordance with our May 22, 2020 administrative order and its associated news release. 

• Select this link to view the May 22, 2020 administrative order and associated news release

• Select this link to view the June 30, 2020 administrative order 

Career Opportunity: Regulatory Programs Assistant [Update: Position Closed]

The closing date for this position is July 13, 2020.

A message to attorneys regarding trials in the Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court

Counsel: 

This email is intended as a courtesy request from me (the presiding judge) to you (the frequently practicing attorneys in our court). As you all know, trials are being conducted in traditional fashion now. In other words, trials are being held live and in person rather than by video (unless video is requested and ordered by the trial judge). 

Despite this return to live trials, things are still not normal. One challenge this court faces is access to courtrooms outside of Lincoln and Omaha. As you know, jury trials were suspended in most (if not all) counties. Counties are trying to play catch up now, leading to lack of access to some courthouses outside of Douglas and Lancaster counties. To be clear, we have been able to reserve a courtroom in some courthouses outside of Douglas and Lancaster counties, but this can vary from day to day and county to county. 

So, what I am asking of you as practicing attorneys in our court is to think about those upcoming trials you have in venues outside of Lincoln and Omaha. At least seven days before the trial date, ask yourself: 

1. Is this case ready for trial or is it clear a continuance is going to be needed? If you and opposing counsel agree that a continuance is needed, please contact the judicial assistant of the trial judge and inform her that a continuance will be requested. This saves our court time trying to find a courtroom.
2. Is my client willing to move this trial to Lincoln or Omaha if there is not a courtroom available in the county courthouse where the case is venued? Discuss this possibility with your client and opposing counsel. Please let the judicial assistant know if the parties are willing to move the trial to another county in the event there is no access to the venued courthouse. 
3. Is my client willing to move this trial to a nearby venue if there is not a courtroom available in the county courthouse where the case is venued? Discuss this possibility with your client and opposing counsel. You'll need to work with the judicial assistant to see what courthouses are available. 
4. Is my client willing to conduct the trial by video? We use Google Meet for our video platform. It's simple and the clerk will test with everyone to ensure connectivity. You will need a computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone with a camera and microphone. Not all parties have to appear by video. Discuss the options with your client and opposing counsel. 

 We are trying to return our normal procedure as much as possible. In some cases, it is still not feasible. I ask for your cooperation and assistance to make this easier for everyone involved, including your clients. If you have any questions on access to county courthouses, please contact the judicial assistant or the clerk of the court. 

Thank you for your anticipated cooperation.

Judge Fridrich

Request for Proposal (WCC0007): Questions and Answers (Updated June 8, 2020)

An updated list of questions and answers regarding Request for Proposal WCC0007 is now available (https://www.wcc.ne.gov/home/contracting-opportunities/rfp-questions-and-answers).

Request for Proposal (WCC0007): Questions and Answers

A list of questions and answers regarding Request for Proposal WCC0007 is now available (https://www.wcc.ne.gov/home/contracting-opportunities/rfp-questions-and-answers).

NEWS RELEASE: Trials, Hearings, Filings, and Deliveries Resume at Compensation Court’s 1010 Lincoln Mall Facility

All business functions have now resumed normally at the Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court’s 1010 Lincoln Mall facility, including trials, hearings, filings, and deliveries. However, please note we will continue to observe all pandemic-related best practices as provided in our May 22 administrative order. Please select this link to view the news release.

NEWS RELEASE: Craig Wagner named Vocational Rehabilitation Manager

The Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court is pleased to announce Craig Wagner as Manager of the Vocational Rehabilitation section. Craig began his work with the section on May 18, 2020. Please select this link to view the news release.

NEWS RELEASE: Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court Trials, Hearings, Filings, and Deliveries

In the wake of recent damage to the Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court’s 1010 Lincoln Mall facility, temporary adjustments have been made regarding filings and deliveries. Please select this link to view the news release.

ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER / NEWS RELEASE: Trials and Evidentiary Hearings in June

Please select this link to view an administrative order and news release regarding Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court trials and evidentiary hearings in June.

Request for Proposal (WCC0007)

Request for Proposal (WCC0007) by the Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court for contractual services related to its medical services fee schedule has been posted in the Contracting Opportunities section of our website (https://www.wcc.ne.gov/home/contracting-opportunities).

ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER / NEWS RELEASE: Trials and Evidentiary Hearings in May

Please select this link to view an administrative order and news release regarding Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court trials and evidentiary hearings in May.

NEWS RELEASE: People Representing Themselves in Legal Matters Can File Petitions and Motions by Email

• Select this link to read our news release.
  
• Select this link to review the Nebraska Supreme Court administrative order and its attachments, which outline how to submit filings by email and the specific email addresses for each court.

Career Opportunity: Vocational Rehabilitation Manager [Update: Position Closed]

The closing date for this position is April 22, 2020.

Nebraska Supreme Court issues new administrative order regarding novel coronavirus and COVID-19 disease

The Nebraska Supreme Court has issued a new administrative order regarding novel coronavirus and COVID-19 disease. Select this link to read the order.

During this time, please eFile with the Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court as much as possible. Please contact us for assistance in setting up eFiling at 402-471-6468 or 800-599-5155 (toll free). The Clerk's Office is willing to provide training or other assistance to anyone who needs it.

ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER / NEWS RELEASE: Trials and Evidentiary Hearings in April; Video Trial / Hearing Tips

Please select this link to view an NWCC administrative order and news release regarding Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court (NWCC) trials and evidentiary hearings in April and video trial / hearing tips.

New Cause and Nature of Injury Codes for COVID-19 Pandemic

A new Cause of Injury Code (DN0037) — 83 for “Pandemic” and a new Nature of Injury Code (DN0035) — 83 for “COVID-19” were approved recently by the Workers’ Compensation Insurance Organizations (WCIO) and recommended by the International Association of Industrial Accident Boards and Commissions (IAIABC).

The Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court (NWCC) will be ready to accept the new codes effective April 1, 2020, in accordance with Neb.Rev.Stat § 48-144 and Workers’ Comp. Ct. R. of Proc. 29 and 30. Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) requirement tables updated with the new codes constitute the form and manner and include the content prescribed and approved by the NWCC court administrator.

For more information, please visit our EDI website (https://nwccedi.info/news).

NEWS RELEASE: A message from our Presiding Judge

Please select this link to view a message from our Presiding Judge regarding the Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court’s operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

NEWS RELEASE: Nebraska Supreme Court issues administrative order regarding novel coronavirus and COVID-19 disease

Select this link to view the Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court’s News Release.

Select this link to view the Nebraska Supreme Court’s Administrative Order.

During this time, please eFile with the Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court as much as possible. Please contact us for assistance in setting up eFiling at 402-471-6468 or 800-599-5155 (toll free). The Clerk's Office is willing to provide training or other assistance to anyone who needs it.

Career Opportunity: Assistant Clerk [Update: Position Closed]

The closing date for this position has been extended to March 16, 2020.

New audience-oriented website format

Our website has been reorganized for use by different audiences. Workers, employers, and others can find their information in one or two clicks. Most “bookmarked” links to our website will no longer work. We hope the new format will help offset this issue. Future content updates should not impact your bookmarks. We welcome your feedback about the website.

Career Opportunity: Assistant Clerk [Update: Position Closed]

The closing date for this position is March 9, 2020.

Nebraska EDI Claims Release 3.1, Version 1.3 EDI Requirement Tables now available

The Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) Claims Release 3.1 tables have been updated with changes identified as Version 1.3. For more information, please visit our EDI website (https://nwccedi.info/news).

Rules of Procedure, Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court

The Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court’s revised Rules of Procedure are now available (https://www.wcc.ne.gov/resources/court-forms-and-publications/rules-of-procedure). An amendment to the court’s adjudicatory Rule 2 was adopted at a December 18, 2019 public meeting and approved by the Nebraska Supreme Court on January 22, 2020. Amendments to Rules 26, 29, 30, 47, and Addenda 2 and 3 were adopted at a public meeting on December 18, 2019.